The Cut on the Lung River

“We could go to America from here if we wanted on a boat without touching land if everything else went in our favour!”

This video was made with Ballaghaderreen Mens Shed on their groups walks during International Men’s Health Week, June 2024.

The Cut on the Lung River is a 600 metre long hand-dug cut, at the narrowest point of the River Lung in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Initiated by Congested District Board in 1905 to drain the land for agriculture, ‘the cut’ went on to support a hydro electric turbine which provided lighting to the town of Ballaghderreen via a powerhouse in the town until 1933. It also served as a site for leisure filled memories with the development of a local outdoor swimming pool in the 1960’s until the 1980’s.

Camera: David O’ Gara and Nollaig Molloy
Drone footage: David O’ Gara
Audio recorded interview by Nollaig Molloy
Voiceover: Christy McCann
Music by Diaspora Song title: ‘Turn A Stone’ (Written by Lee Regan, Vocals: Lee Regan, Instruments: Liz Regan, William Stewart and Pete Attwood)

Supported by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon Arts Office and the Arts Council of Ireland.